ROLE 

The Associate, Latin America will support the Latin America team’s efforts across the region, with a primary focus on Colombia and additional work in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. The Associate will support the efforts to build and manage a portfolio of grants; work closely with existing partner organisations to monitor performance and maximise social impact; contribute to research and advocacy work related to key issues associated with Luminate’s strategy and efforts in the region; and support internal and external communications efforts for the Latin America team.  

Luminate’s strategy in Latin America focuses on 1) increasing the representation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ populations and youth in politics and policymaking; 2) building the resilience of activists and journalists; 3) supporting independent journalism; and 4) promoting a more inclusive and less polarized public debate online and offline. 

OPPORTUNITY 

Luminate is seeking an experienced professional who is knowledgeable about democracy in Latin America and who is passionate about advancing press freedom and independent journalism, ensuring technology serves the public interest, safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting and promoting civic participation and human rights.

The ideal candidate would have lived and/or professional experience with those whom Luminate seeks to serve, including activists, journalists, human rights defenders, organisers and civic leaders, particularly those from underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ populations and youth. Candidates who have knowledge about independent media, digital rights, and the impact of technology on democracy, are highly preferred.  

TEAM 

The Associate will be an integral member of Luminate’s Latin America team. The Associate will be based in Bogotá, Colombia and will report to Luminate’s Latin America Director, who is based in Argentina. 

We are seeking to build a team with racial and gender diversity and are actively building an inclusive workplace culture where representation from women and minority communities is particularly sought after. Candidates must be based in and have the right to work in Colombia. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The individual in this role will be expected to focus on:   

• Supporting the efforts to build and manage a portfolio of grants with a primary focus on Colombia and additional work in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico

• Source and analyse potential funding opportunities to civil society and media, identifying high-impact opportunities for Luminate in the areas of fostering healthy information ecosystems and a constructive public debate

• Promoting civic and political participation and protecting civil society’s capacity to dissent. Manage, monitor and coordinate a grants portfolio, including: annual grant planning, taking shortlisted opportunities through a well-defined approval and funding process, including preparing all relevant documentation, conducting necessary diligence on prospects, undertaking periodic reviews of progress with grantees, performing site visits, and reviewing financial and narrative reporting

• Supporting the team and the portfolio organisations to monitor performance and maximise social impact  

• Work closely with existing partner organisations on strategic efforts to help them achieve their social impact potential

• Monitor the performance of the team and of its partner organisations in the region by collecting and analysing data and evidence. This includes sharing that data and those stories internally and externally as appropriate

• Contribute to the execution of Potencia, Luminate’s organisational strengthening program in Latin America, which aims at providing non-financial l support to our portfolio organisations to help them be more resilient and effective

• Support research and advocacy work related to key issues associated with Luminate’s efforts in the region, and contribute to Luminate’s Latin America strategy  

• Contribute to Luminate’s policy and advocacy efforts in Latin America, including supporting external outreach and engagement activities that Luminate conducts in Colombia

• Monitor news, policy proposals, political statements, and legislative developments connected to Luminate’s strategic themes in priority countries. Report on those issues to the team, as appropriate

• Contribute to Luminate’s Latin America strategy by collecting and communicating insights, evidence, data and strategic reflections 

• Work on the conceptualisation and refinement of relevant research that informs Luminate and its partners in their work

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

Note: we view this section as a guide, not a checklist. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t satisfy every single bullet on this list. 

• Professional experience, preference for those in grantmaking roles OR for those who have been part of media organisations, civil society, or public sector connected to the themes of Luminate’s strategy

• Experience conducting advocacy work and engaging with policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders

• Passion to make a difference in the democracy space; solid understanding of press freedom, and/or independent media, gender related issues and youth empowerment, in Colombia, and Latin America more broadly

• Deep strategic and analytical skills – ability to evaluate proposed opportunities from multiple perspectives (strategic fit, expected impact, operational capability, business model, etc.); appreciation of analytical rigor and clarity

• Clear understanding of matters of diversity, equity and inclusion

• Good communication skills – good writing and presentation skills in English and Spanish; ability to communicate clearly

• Very good interpersonal skills – ability to work collaboratively with colleagues around the world

• University degree associated with Luminate’s strategy is highly preferred. Graduate degree is a plus

REQUIREMENTS 

• The ideal candidate is aligned with Luminate's values, including Luminate's diversity policy

• Full fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is a significant plus. 

• Role requires estimated 30 percent regional and international travel (in normal times, usually circa a week abroad every 8-12 weeks)

ABOUT LUMINATE 

Luminate is a global philanthropic organisation focused on empowering people and institutions to work together to build just and fair societies. We work with our partners to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and to shape the issues affecting their societies, and to make those in positions of power more responsive and accountable.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Luminate believes that diversity and inclusion make us more successful in our work, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or national law. 

Applications are due by 11:59pm Zona Centro on 7 November 2023. 

If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next step, which includes meeting with members of the team.